Hair curler



Dec. 12, 1944. ARCHER 2,364,596

HAIR CURLER Filed Feb. 13, 1942 "I. f /LMM Patented Dec. 12, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HAIR CURLEB.

Doriane Archer, Los Angeles, Calif. Application February 13, 1942, Serial No. 430,700

Claims. (01. 132-41) This invention relates to hair curlers and has particular reference to that class of hair curlers in which a strand of hair is wound on a spindle to remain in the wound condition for a substantial period until it assumes the desired curled shape. A general object of this invention is. to provide a hair curler of the class referred to which is practical and effective and very inexpensive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improvements in hair curlers of the type described and claimed in United States Letters Patent granted to me on August 19, 1941, Nos. 2,252,910 and 2,252,911.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hair curler of the character referred to formed of paper, cardboard, fiber board or other fibrous material or of inexpensive plastic material to be very low in cost so that it may be discarded after a single use. The curler of the present invention may be manufactured at an extremely low cost and the cost to the userv is so trivial that the curler may be discarded after one use or as soon as it becomes at all worn or unsightly. This adapts the curler for use in beauty salons and like establishments where it is essential to maintaina high degree of cleanliness and where single use articles are employed whenever possible. When the curlers of the present invention are employed in beauty parlors and the like they may be used only once by the particular person whose hair is being dressed and may then be thrown away at the completion of thehair dressing operation or may be worn at home by the patron. It is unnecessary to wash the curlers of the invention or to maintain a stock of expensive permanent curlers. While in most instances it may be preferred to form the curlers of the invention of fibrous materials and inexpensive plastics for single use or for short use it is to be understood that the curlers may be constructed of permanent or lasting materials to be suited for repeated use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hair curler of the character mentioned in which the body or keeper and the spindle may flex when in use to curve the body of hair wound upon the spindle and thus impart a wave to the hair.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hair curler of the type referred to that will not scratch, cut or otherwise injure the scalp and that will not cut or break the hair. The improved hair curlers of this invention may be left on the hair while the person sleeps without discomfort. The curlers of the invention may be formed of soft pliant material that will bend or distort' under pressure without discomfort to the wearer. Another object of this invention is to provide a hair curler of the character mentioned that is simple and convenient to use being devoid of latches and other mechanisms requiring skillful or practised operation.

Another object of thisinvention is to provide a hair curler of the character referred to that embodies a minimum number of parts, being formed preferably of one single integral member.

A further object of this invention is to provide a hair curler of the class referred to that is normally substantially fiat and is very compact for ready shipping, storage, etc.

The various objects and features of my invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is'a perspective view of one form of curler provided by this invention with the arms extended in position to receive strands of.hair. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the curler shown in Fig. 1 in the operative'position with the wound hair engaged on the spindle. Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 33 on Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of another form of curler of this invention with the full lines showing the spindle in the operative position and broken lines showing the spindle extended. Fig. 5 is an edge view of the curler of Fig. 4 with the spindle positioned above the body prior to latching in the same. Fig. 6 is a plan view of still another form of the invention and Fig. 7 is a side or edge view of the curler illustrated in Fig. 6.

The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 may be said to comprise, generally, a keeper orbody Ill and two spindle arms H on the body.

The body In is an elongate member carrying or supporting the spindle arms II and adapted to form a keeper for holding the hair wound on the spindle arms. aspects of the invention the body 10 may be varied considerably in shape. In the preferred arrangement illustrated the keeper or body I0 is elongate in plan configuration. A central opening 12 is provided in the body [0. The opening I2 is preferably an elongate slot following generally the contour of the body Ill and is preferably quite large. In accordance with the invention the keeper or body Ill is formed of fiat stock, such as paper, cardboard, fiber board or other fiat stock fibrous material or may be. formed of fiat stock plastic material, pyroxylin, or the like. The material of which the body I0 is formed is preferably flexible and resilient and of sufficient strength to maintain its original shape and resist permanent distortion although easily flexed or bent. The edges of the body 10 and the Walls of its opening 12 are smooth or rounded. It will be observed In accordance with the broader that the body" iil is a simple inexpensive part readily cut from flat stock material.

The spindle arms H are hinged r pivoted to the body ID to be swung between the extended position and 'active position. A hair strand S may be wound upon the spindle arms H whereupon the arms may be latched in the body ID to hold the hair wound upon the spindle arms, as will be more fully described. The spindle arms H are preferably simple elongate strips and may have straight parallel longitudinal edges and rounded ends. It is preferred to form the spindle arms of flat stock fibrous material, such as paper, cardboard, fiber board, or the like, or of flat stock plastic material, pyroxylin, or the like. In practice, the spindle arms Il may be formed of the same material as the body It], in fact they may be integral therewith. In any case, the spindle arms H are flexible so that they may be flexed or bowed. The spindle arms H are slightly longer than the body IE! but are considerably narrower than the body. The two arms [I may be identical to reduce the cost of manufacture. As illustrated throu hout the drawing the arms H are adapted to lie one upon the other and the arms are proportioned so that they may be introduced into the opening |2 of the keeper or body.

The spindle arms H are pivotally Or hingedly secured or joined to one end portion of the body iii. The means for hingedly or pivotally securing the arms II to the body In ma be varied considerably. In the form of the invention being described, the arms II are integral with the body, being hinged thereto on a fold or line 34 of the longitudinal transverse axis of the device. One of the arms I is directly hinged to the body on the fold line 34 while the other arm is hinged to the one first mentioned on a fold line 35 adjacent the body and extending parallel with the longitudinal axis of the device. (See Fig. 6, which shows this general hinge construction.)

In the use or operation of the curler illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawing the spindle arms II are first extended from the end of the body if) and the end of the hair strand S is introduced between the two arms, as shown in Fig. 1. The arms may be spread slightly to facilitate the introduction of the hair and, if desired or necessary, the arms may be bowed or flexed. When the hair strand S has been wound upon the arms so as to be held, the body In and the arms are swung one relative to the other to bring the arms above the body If! and the other portions of the spindle arms II are entered through the outer portion of the opening l2. As illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing, the hair strand S is wound on the spindle intermediate the ends of the arms leaving the outer portions of the arms free and clear. The body H] and the arms Il may be flexed or bowed to facilitate the introduction of the arms into the opening l2. Fig. 2 of the drawing illustrates the manner in which the outer portions of the arms engage or latch in the opening I2. It will be observed that the bod l0 and the arms ii are flexed or bowed and the resiliency of the arms and the body maintains the arms dependably latched in the opening I2. The keeper or body I0 engaged against the rolled strand S holds the strand wound upon the spindle arms The opening l2 of the body receives a portion of the wound hair strand S, that is, the wound strand fits the opening. The walls or edges of the opening l2 maintained in engagement with the wound hair by the resiliency of the body and arms forms a wave in the hair. Furthermore, the engagement of the wound hair strand S in the opening |2 prevents undesirable lateral tilting or swinging of the curler and maintains the curler in the correct operative position. When it is desired to remove the curler the body H] and the arms I I or either one of them are further flexed outwardly to disengage th arms II from the opening I2. The body and the arms are then swung apart and the arms may be withdrawn from the curled hair or the strand S may be unwound from the arms.

Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawing illustrate the invention embodied in a one piece curler. This form of the invention may be said to comprise, generally, a keeper or body 20 and spindle arms 2| hingedly connected with the body 20. D

The curler of Figs. 4 and 5 is constructed entirely of a single sheet or piece of material. The curler may be formed of paper, cardboard, fiber board, or other fibrous material in. sheet form or may be formed of lastic material, pyroxylin, or the like, in sheet form. The material of which the curler is formed is preferably flexible and. resilient and, although it may be disposable, it preferably offers substantial resistance to permanent bending and distortion.

The body 28 is an elongate part and may have substantially the same shape as the body In, described above. In the particular case illustrated, the body 2!] has straight generally parallel longitudinal edges and a rounded outer end. The inner corners of the body 20 are preferably rounded.

An elongate opening or slot 22 is provided in the keeper or body 23. The slot 22 is preferably of substantial length extending from adjacent one end of the body to adjacent the other end of the body and its walls may follow generally the outer edges of the body.

The spindle arms 2| are integrally joined with one end of the body 20. The arms 2| are continuous elongate extensions of the body continuing longitudinally from what may be considered the inner end of the body. The spindle arms 2| are elongate strips lying in edge to edge relation in a common plane when in the extended or inoperative position. The broken lines of Fig. 4 show the arms 2| in this position. The outer ends of the arms 2| are suitably rounded. The inner ends of the arms 2! join the inner end or edge of the body 20 at a transverse fold line 23. The fold line 23 constitutes a hinge connection between the body 20 and the spindle arms 2|. The two arms 25 may be alike or identical and it is preferred to make the arms somewhat longer than the body 20.

In the use or operation of the curler illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 of the drawing the end of the hair strand is introduced between the two arms 2| when the arms are in the extended position. The arms 2| may be overlapped or drawn one over the other when the hair is wound on them. When the hair has been wound upon the spindle arms 2| the body 20 and the spindle arms are swung together and the free outer portions of the arms are inserted through the opening 22. Fig. 4 illustrates the manner in which the overlapped arms 2| may be passed through the outer portion of the opening 22. It is to be understood that the material of which the curler is formed is sufficiently pliant to allow the arms 2| to be engaged one over the other and to be passed through the opening 22 as illustrated. The endescribed curlers.

gagement of the arms 2| in the opening 22 causes longitudinal flexure or bowing of both the body 2t and the arms 2| and the resiliency of the body and the arms maintains the arms in frictional engagement with the walls of the opening 22 to resist disengagement of the arms from the opening. After the curler has remained on the hair the selected period it is readily removed by Withdrawing the arms 2| from the opening 22 and then slipping the spindle arms 2| from the hair.

Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawing illustrate an-i other form of the invention embodied in a one piece member. The curler of Figs. 6 and 7 may be said to comprise, generally, a'keeper or body and spindle arms 3| on the body.

The body 30 may be similar to or identical with the body 20, being an elongate member formed of fiat or substantially flat stock and provided with a central longitudinal slot 32. If desired, the body til may be of the same configuration as the body Ii). The body 3i] and the spindle arms 3| may be constructed of selected, inexpensive material such as paper,- cardboard, fiber board, or other fibrous material, or may be constructed of plastic material, pyroxylin, or the like.

The spindle arms 3| are integrally joined with what may be termed the inner end of the body 3!]. .he spindle arms 3| are elongate straps or strips initially or normally lying in edge to edge rela tion in a common plane. The spindle arms 3| may be of the same length and width and their length is preferably greater than the length of the body 30. The width of the spindle arms 3| is such that the arms may be readily passed through the opening 32. It may be preferred to provide the arms 3| with pluralities of spaced openings 33 to facilitate the drying of the hair. It is to be understood that similar openings may be provided in the spindle arms H and 2| of the previously described forms of the invention. In this form of the invention one spindle arm Si is integrally joined with the inner end of the body til along a fold line or hinge line 34 and the second spindle arm 3| is integrally joined with the first spindle arm along a second fold line or hinge line 35. The first spindle arm 3| is centrally or' axially aligned with the body 39, while the second spindle arm initially or normally lies to one side of the first spindle arm. Said first spindle arm 3| is integrally joined with the end of the body 30 along the bend or hinge line 3% which is transverse of and normal to the longitudinal axis of the body 3|]. The hinge line 34 is such that the spindle arms 3| may be swung or hinged relative to the body 30 between the extended. position shown in Fig. 6 and the folded position illustrated in Fig. '7 where they are above the body. The hinge line 35 integrally joins the inner portion of the two arms 3|. The hinge line 355 extends longitudinally and outwardly from one end of the hinge line 34 and terminates at a longitudinal cut 36 which divides the major portions of the two arms. The hinge line 35 allows the outer arm 34 to be swung or hinged in over the inner arm 35 so that the two arms lie one above the other.

The curler of Figs. 6 and '7 is employed in substantially the same manner as the previously The end ofthe hair strand is introduced between the two spindle arms 35 and the two spindle arms are hinged together along the line 35 to lie one above the other. The hair is wound on the spindle arms and the body it and spindle arms are swung together along the hinge line 34 so that the free outer portions of the arms may be entered in the opening 32. The engagement of the arms 3| in the opening 32 retains the arms in position and the body 30 engaged with the Wound hair keeps the hair on the spindle. The device maybe removed from the hair by disengaging the arms 3| from the opening l2 and then slipping the spindle arms from the wound hair.

Having described typical preferred forms and applications of my invention, I do not wish to be limited orrestricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A hair curler comprising an integral one piece member of flexible resilient material including a body having a longitudinal slot, and a part extending longitudinally beyond an end of the body and connected therewith by a transverse bend line, therebeing a longitudinal cut in said part dividing the same into fingers which may be partially engaged one over the other and latched in said opening when said part is swung over the body.

2. A one piece hair curler comprising a member of sheet-form material havingan elongate body provided with a longitudinal slot, and a part extending longitudinally from an end of the body, said part being divided longitudinally into two spindle arms on which a strand of hair may be wound, there being a transverse fold line where the body and said part join permitting the arms to be swung over the body and engaged in said slot to retain the wound hair on the arms.

3. A one piece hair curler comprising a member of sheet-form material having an elongate body provided with a longitudinal slot, and a part extending longitudinally from an end of the body, said part having a longitudinal cut extending into it from its outer end and a longitudinal fold 'line continuing inwardly from said out so that said part forms two spindle arms which may be folded one over the other to receive a wound strand of hair, one of said arms being joined with the body along a transverse fold'line whereby the arms may be swung over the body and latched in said slot.

4. A one-piece hair curler comprising a member of sheet-form fibrous material having an elongate body provided with a longitudinal slot, and a part extending longitudinally from an end of the body, said part being dividedlongitudinally into two spindle arms on which a strand of hair may be wound, there being a transverse fold line where the body and said part join permitting the arms to be swung over the body and engaged in said slot to retain the wound hair on the arms.

5. A one piece hair curler comprising a member ofv sheet-form fibrous material having an elongate body provided with a longitudinal slot, and a part extending longitudinally from an end of the body, said part having a longitudinal cut extending into it from its outer end and a longitudinal fold line continuing inwardly from said out so that said part forms two spindle arms which may be folded one over the other to receive a Wound strand of hair, one of said arms being joined with the body along a transverse fold line whereby the arms may be swung over the body and latched in said slot.

DORIANE ARCHER. 

